Substituted Pyridine Derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to pyridine derivatives of the general formula (I) and their use as openers of the KCNQ family potassium ion channels for the treatment of CNS disorders.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds, which are openers of theKCNQ family potassium ion channels. The compounds are useful in thetreatment of disorders and diseases being responsive to opening of theKCNQ family potassium ion channels, one such disease is epilepsy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ion channels are cellular proteins that regulate the flow of ions,including potassium, calcium, chloride and sodium into and out of cells.Such channels are present in all animal and human cells and affect avariety of processes including neuronal transmission, musclecontraction, and cellular secretion.

Humans have over 70 genes encoding potassium channel subtypes (JentschNature Reviews Neuroscience 2000, 1, 21-30) with a great diversity withregard to both structure and function. Neuronal potassium channels,which are found in the brain, are primarily responsible for maintaininga negative resting membrane potential, as well as controlling membranerepolarisation following an action potential.

One subset of potassium channel genes is the KCNQ family. Mutations infour out of five KCNQ genes have been shown to underlie diseasesincluding cardiac arrhythmias, deafness and epilepsy (Jentsch NatureReviews Neuroscience 2000, 1, 21-30).

The KCNQ4 gene is thought to encode the molecular correlate of apotassium channel found in outer hair cells of the cochlea and in Type Ihair cells of the vestibular apparatus, in which, mutations can lead toa form of inherited deafness.

KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) is co-assembled with the product of the KCNE1 (minimalK(+)-channel protein) gene in the heart to form a cardiac-delayedrectifier-like K(+) current. Mutations in this channel can cause oneform of inherited long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1), as well as beingassociated with a form of deafness (Robbins Pharmacol Ther 2001, 90,1-19).

The genes KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 were discovered in 1988 and appear to bemutated in an inherited form of epilepsy known as benign familialneonatal convulsions (Rogawski Trends in Neurosciences 2000, 23,393-398). The proteins encoded by the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 proteins arelocalised in the pyramidal neurons of the human cortex and hippocampus,regions of the brain associated with seizure generation and propagation(Cooper et al. Proceedings National Academy of Science USA 2000, 97,4914-4919).

KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 are two potassium channel subunits that form“M-currents” when expressed in vitro. The M-current is anon-inactivating potassium current found in many neuronal cell types. Ineach cell type, it is dominant in controlling membrane excitability bybeing the only sustained current in the range of action potentialinitiation (Marrion Annual Review Physiology 1997, 59, 483-504).Modulation of the M-current has dramatic effects on neuronalexcitability, for example activation of the current will reduce neuronalexcitability. Openers of these KCNQ channels, or activators of theM-current, will reduce excessive neuronal activity and may thus be ofuse in the treatment of seizures and other diseases and disorderscharacterised by excessive neuronal activity, such as neuronalhyperexcitability including convulsive disorders, epilepsy andneuropathic pain.

Retigabine (D-23129; N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl)carbamicacid ethyl ester) and analogues thereof are disclosed in EP554543.Retigabine is an anti-convulsive compound with a broad spectrum andpotent anticonvulsant properties, both in vitro and in vivo. It isactive after oral and intraperitoneal administration in rats and mice ina range of anticonvulsant tests including: electrically inducedseizures, seizures induced chemically by pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxinand N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and in a genetic animal model, the DBA/2mouse (Rostock et al. Epilepsy Research 1996, 23, 211-223). In addition,retigabine is active in the amygdala kindling model of complex partialseizures, further indicating that this compound has potential foranti-convulsive therapy. In clinical trials, retigabine has recentlyshown effectiveness in reducing the incidence of seizures in epilepticpatients (Bialer et al. Epilepsy Research 2002, 51, 31-71).

Retigabine has been shown to activate a K(+) current in neuronal cellsand the pharmacology of this induced current displays concordance withthe published pharmacology of the M-channel, which recently wascorrelated to the KCNQ2/3 K(+) channel heteromultimer. This suggeststhat activation of KCNQ2/3 channels may be responsible for some of theanticonvulsant activity of this agent (Wickenden et al. MolecularPharmacology 2000, 58, 591-600)—and that other agents working by thesame mechanism may have similar uses.

KCNQ 2 and 3 channels have also been reported to be upregulated inmodels of neuropathic pain (Wickenden et al. Society for NeuroscienceAbstracts 2002, 454.7), and potassium channel modulators have beenhypothesised to be active in both neuropathic pain and epilepsy(Schroder et al. Neuropharmacology 2001, 40, 888-898).

Retigabine has also been shown to be beneficial in animal models ofneuropathic pain (Blackburn-Munro and Jensen European Journal ofPharmacology 2003, 460, 109-116), and it is thus suggested that openersof KCNQ channels will be of use in treating pain disorders includingneuropathic pain.

The localisation of KCNQ channel mRNA is reported in brain and othercentral nervous system areas associated with pain (Goldstein et al.Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 2003, 53.8).

In addition to a role in neuropathic pain, the expression of mRNA forKCNQ 2-5 in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia and in the trigeminalnucleus caudalis implies that openers of these channels may also affectthe sensory processing of migraine pain (Goldstein et al. Society forNeuroscience Abstracts 2003, 53.8).

Recent reports demonstrate that mRNA for KCNQ 3 and 5, in addition tothat for KCNQ2, are expressed in astrocytes and glial cells. Thus KCNQ2, 3 and 5 channels may help modulate synaptic activity in the CNS andcontribute to the neuroprotective effects of KCNQ channel openers (Nodaet al., Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 2003, 53.9).

Retigabine and other KCNQ modulators may thus exhibit protection againstthe neurodegenerative aspects of epilepsy, as retigabine has been shownto prevent limbic neurodegeneration and the expression of markers ofapoptosis following kainic acid-induced status epilepticus in the rat(Ebert et al. Epilepsia 2002, 43 Suppl 5, 86-95). This may haverelevance for preventing the progression of epilepsy in patients, i.e.be anti-epileptogenic. Retigabine has also been shown to delay theprogression of hippocampal kindling in the rat, a further model ofepilepsy development (Tober et al. European Journal Of Pharmacology1996, 303, 163-169).

It is thus suggested that these properties of retigabine and other KCNQmodulators may prevent neuronal damage induced by excessive neuronalactivation, and such compounds may be of use in the treatment ofneurodegenerative diseases, and be disease modifying (orantiepileptogenic) in patients with epilepsy.

Given that anticonvulsant compounds such as benzodiazepines andchlormethiazole are used clinically in the treatment of the ethanolwithdrawal syndrome and that other anticonvulsant compounds e.g.gabapentin, are very effective in animal models of this syndrome (Watsonet al. Neuropharmacology 1997, 36, 1369-1375), other anticonvulsantcompounds such as KCNQ openers are thus expected to be effective in thiscondition.

mRNA for KCNQ 2 and 3 subunits are found in brain regions associatedwith anxiety and emotional behaviours such as bipolar disorder e.g.hippocampus and amygdala (Saganich et al. Journal of Neuroscience 2001,21, 4609-4624), and retigabine is reportedly active in some animalmodels of anxiety-like behaviour (Hartz et al. Journal ofPsychopharmacology 2003, 17 suppl 3, A28, B16), and other clinicallyused anticonvulsant compounds are used in the treatment of bipolardisorder. Thus, KCNQ openers may be useful for the treatment of anxietydisorders and bipolar disorder.

WO 200196540 discloses the use of modulators of the M-current formed byexpression of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes for insomnia, while WO 2001092526discloses that modulators of KCNQ5 can be utilized for the treatment ofsleep disorders.

WO 01/022953 describes the use of retigabine for prophylaxis andtreatment of neuropathic pain such as allodynia, hyperalgesic pain,phantom pain, neuropathic pain related to diabetic neuropathy andneuropathic pain related to migraine.

WO02/049628 describes the use of retigabine for the treatment of anxietydisorders such as anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic anxiety,obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, performance anxiety,post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress reaction, adjustmentdisorders, hypochondriacal disorders, separation anxiety disorder,agoraphobia and specific phobias.

WO97/15300 describes the use of retigabine for the treatment ofneurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; Huntington'schorea; sclerosis such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateralsclerosis; Creutzfeld-Jakob disease; Parkinson's disease;encephalopathies induced by AIDS or infection by rubella viruses, herpesviruses, borrelia and unknown pathogens; trauma-inducedneurodegenerations; neuronal hyperexcitation states such as inmedicament withdrawal or intoxication; and neurodegenerative diseases ofthe peripheral nervous system such as polyneuropathies andpolyneuritides.

KCNQ channel openers have also been found to be effective in thetreatment of stroke, therefore it can be expected that selective KCNQopeners are effective in the treatment of stroke (Schroder et al.,Pflugers Arch., 2003; 446(5): 607-16; Cooper and Jan, Arch Neurol.,2003, 60(4):496-500; Jensen, CNS Drug Rev., 2002, 8(4):353-60).

KCNQ channels have been shown to be expressed in dopaminergic andcholinergic circuits in the brain that are associated with the brain'sreward system, particularly the ventral tegmental area (Cooper et al., JNeurosci, 2001, 21, 9529-9540). Therefore, KCNQ channel openers areexpected to be effective in hyperexcitability disorders that involve thebrain's reward system such as cocaine abuse, nicotine withdrawal andethanol withdrawal.

Potassium channels comprised of the KCNQ4 subunits are expressed in theinner ear (Kubisch et al., Cell., 1999 Feb. 5; 96(3):437-46) and openingof these channels is therefore expected to treat tinnitus.

Hence, there is a great desire for novel compounds which are potentopeners of the KCNQ family of potassium channels.

Also desired are novel compounds with improved properties relative toknown compounds, which are openers of the KCNQ family potassiumchannels, such as retigabine. Improvement of one or more of thefollowing parameters is desired:

half-life, clearance, selectivity, interactions with other medications,bioavailability, potency, formulability, chemical stability, metabolicstability, membrane permeability, solubility and therapeutic index. Theimprovement of such parameters may lead to improvements such as:

-   -   an improved dosing regime by reducing the number of required        doses a day,    -   ease of administration to patients on multiple medications,    -   reduced side effects,    -   enlarged therapeutic index,    -   improved tolerability or    -   improved compliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is the provision of compounds, which arepotent openers of the KCNQ family potassium channels.

The compounds of the invention are substituted pyridine derivatives ofthe below formula I as the free base or a salt thereof

whereinR¹, R², R³ and q are as defined below.

The invention provides a compound of formula I for use as a medicament.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent.

The invention provides the use of a compound of formula I for thepreparation of a medicament for the treatment of seizure disorders,anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain and migraine pain disorders orneurodegenerative disorders.

The invention furthermore concerns the use of a compound of formula I ina method of treatment of seizure disorders, anxiety disorders,neuropathic pain and migraine pain disorders or neurodegenerativedisorders.

DEFINITION OF SUBSTITUENTS

The term “heteroatom” refers to a nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur atom.

“Halogen” means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. “Halo” means halogen.

“Cyano” designates

C≡N

which is attached to the remainder of the molecule via the carbon atom.

The expression “C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” means C₁₋₆-alkyl, C₂₋₆-alkenyl orC₂₋₆-alkynyl.

The term “C₁₋₆-alkyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkyl grouphaving from one to six carbon atoms, including but not limited tomethyl, ethyl, prop-1-yl, prop-2-yl, 2-methyl-prop-1-yl,2-methyl-prop-2-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop-1-yl, but-1-yl, but-2-yl,3-methyl-but-1-yl, 3-methyl-but-2-yl, pent-1-yl, pent-2-yl, pent-3-yl,hex-1-yl, hex-2-yl and hex-3-yl.

The term “C₂₋₆-alkenyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkenyl grouphaving from two to six carbon atoms and one double bond, including butnot limited to ethenyl, propenyl, and butenyl.

The term “C₂₋₆-alkynyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkynyl grouphaving from two to six carbon atoms and one triple bond, including butnot limited to ethynyl, propynyl and butynyl.

The expression “C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl” means C₁₋₈-alkyl, C₂₋₈-alkenyl orC₂₋₈-alkynyl.

The term “C₁₋₈-alkyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkyl grouphaving from one to eight carbon atoms, including but not limited tomethyl, ethyl, prop-1-yl, prop-2-yl, 2-methyl-prop-1-yl,2-methyl-prop-2-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop-1-yl, but-1-yl, but-2-yl,3-methyl-but-1-yl, 3-methyl-but-2-yl, pent-1-yl, pent-2-yl, pent-3-yl,hex-1-yl, hex-2-yl, hex-3-yl, 2-methyl-4,4-dimethyl-pent-1-yl andhept-1-yl.

The term “C₂₋₈-alkenyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkenyl grouphaving from two to eight carbon atoms and one double bond, including butnot limited to ethenyl, propenyl, and butenyl.

The term “C₂₋₈-alkynyl” refers to a branched or unbranched alkynyl grouphaving from two to eight carbon atoms and one triple bond, including butnot limited to ethynyl, propynyl and butynyl.

The expression “C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl” means C₃₋₈-cycloalkyl orC₃₋₈-cycloalkenyl.

The term “C₃₋₈-cycloalkyl” designates a monocyclic or bicycliccarbocycle having three to eight carbon atoms, including but not limitedto cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, bicycloheptyl such as2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl.

The term “C₃₋₈-cycloalkenyl” designates a monocyclic or bicycliccarbocycle having three to eight carbon atoms and one double bond,including but not limited to cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl.

The term “C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl” means C₃₋₈-heterocycloalkyl orC₃₋₈-heterocycloalkenyl.

The term “C₃₋₈-heterocycloalkyl” designates a monocyclic or bicyclicring system wherein the ring is formed by 3 to 8 atoms selected from 2-7carbon atoms and 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected fromnitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms. Examples of C₃₋₈-heterocycloalkylsare pyrrolidine, azepan, morpholine, piperidine, piperazine andtetrahydrofuran.

The term “C₃₋₈-heterocycloalkenyl” designates a monocyclic or bicyclicring system with one double bond, wherein the ring is formed by 3 to 8atoms selected from 2-7 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 heteroatomsindependently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms. Examplesof C₃₋₈-heterocycloalkenyls are dihydropyrrole, dihydrofuran anddihydrothiophene.

When C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl comprises nitrogen thenC₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl is attached to the remainder of the moleculevia a carbon atom or nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic ring.

When C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl does not comprise nitrogen thenC₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl is attached to the remainder of the moleculevia a carbon atom of the heterocyclic ring.

The term “halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” designates C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl beingsubstituted with halogen, including but not limited to trifluoromethyl.

Similarly, “halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl” designates C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)ylbeing substituted with halogen, including but not limited tochlorocyclopropane and chlorocyclohexane.

Similarly, “halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” designateshalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl being attached to the remainder of the moleculevia C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.

The term “C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy” designates C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl beingattached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom.

Similarly, “C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy” designates C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl beingattached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom.

In the expressions “C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”, “Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl”,“Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”, “Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl”,“Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”, “NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl”,“NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy”,“C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”,“C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” and“C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” the terms“C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl”, “C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl”, “Aryl”,“C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl”, “Heteroaryl”, “C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy” and“C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy” are as defined above.

The term “Heteroaryl” refers to monocyclic or bicyclic heteroaromaticsystems being selected from the group consisting of pyridine, thiophene,furan, pyrrole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, oxazole, imidazole,thiazole, benzofuran, benzothiophene and indole.

The term Aryl designates monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic systems beingselected from the group consisting of phenyl and naphthyl.

The term “optionally substituted Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” designatesAryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl wherein the Aryl moiety is optionallysubstituted, such as with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selectedfrom the group consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.

Similarly, “optionally substituted Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl” designatesAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl wherein the Aryl moiety is optionallysubstituted, such as with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selectedfrom the group consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(ell/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.Similarly, “optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl” designatesAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl wherein the Aryl moiety isoptionally substituted, such as with 1, 2 or 3 substituentsindependently selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to substituted pyridine derivatives whichare openers of KCNQ potassium channels.

The present invention relates to a compound represented by the generalformula I:

whereinq is 0 or 1;each of R¹ and R² is independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, cyano, C₁₋₁₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy; andR³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;whereineach of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl; as the free base or saltsthereof.

In one embodiment of the compound of formula I, q is 0;

in another embodiment of the compound of formula I, q is 1.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I each of R¹ and R²is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy;

in another embodiment each of R¹ and R² is independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy;in another embodiment each of R¹ and R² is independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, cyano and C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl andC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy;in another embodiment each of R¹ and R² is independently selected fromthe group consisting of C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, such as methyl;in another embodiment R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, such as methyl;in another embodiment R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, such as methoxy and R²is halogen;in another embodiment R¹ is halogen and R² is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, suchas methoxy. Typically, both R¹ and R² are C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, such asmethyl.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, R³ is selectedfrom the group consisting ofC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;

in another embodiment R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substituted Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,optionally substituted Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andNR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl andNR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substituted Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,optionally substituted Aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andHeteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.

Typically, R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl and Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.

To further illustrate without limiting the invention, an embodiment ofR³ is C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl;

another embodiment of R³ is C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;another embodiment of R³ is optionally substitutedAryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;another embodiment of R³ is optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl;another embodiment of R³ is Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, each of R⁴ and R⁵is independently selected from the group consisting ofC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;

in another embodiment each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently selected fromthe group consisting of C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl and hydrogen;in another embodiment both R⁴ and R⁵ are C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment both R⁴ and R⁵ are hydrogen.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, any Heteroaryl,which is mentioned either alone or as a part of a larger substituent isselected form the group consisting of pyridine, furan, pyrrole,pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, oxazole, imidazole, thiazole, benzofuran,benzothiophene and indole; in another embodiment any Heteroaryl, whichis mentioned either alone or as a part of a larger substituent isthiophene.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, any Aryl, which ismentioned either alone or as a part of a larger substituent is phenyl;

in another embodiment any Aryl, which is mentioned either alone or as apart of a larger substituent is naphthyl.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, any optionallysubstituted Aryl, which is mentioned either alone or as a part of alarger substituent, may be substituted with 1 or 2 substituents.

To further illustrate without limiting the invention an embodimentconcerns such compounds of formula I, wherein any optionally substitutedAryl which is mentioned either alone or as a part of a largersubstituent is not substituted;

in another embodiment any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted with 1substituent;in another embodiment any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted with 2substituents.

In a further embodiment of the compound of formula I, any optionallysubstituted Aryl, which is mentioned either alone or as a part of alarger substituent, may be substituted with substituents selected fromthe group consisting of cyano, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy; in another embodiment anyoptionally substituted Aryl which is mentioned either alone or as a partof a larger substituent may be substituted with substituents selectedfrom the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl and C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy. To further illustratewithout limiting the invention an embodiment concerns such compounds offormula I, wherein any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted withhalogen;

in another embodiment any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted withC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted withhalo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl;in another embodiment any optionally substituted Aryl which is mentionedeither alone or as a part of a larger substituent is substituted withC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.

A further embodiment concerns a compound of formula I as the free baseor a salt thereof, said compound is selected from the compounds of thefollowing scheme:

Example No. Compound name 1aa(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester1ab (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid2-chloro-benzyl ester 1ac2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1ad 2-Phenyl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)- amide 1aeN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-2-yl-acetamide1af3-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide1ag (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid isobutylester 1ah3-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide1aiN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide1ajN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-p-tolyl-propionamide1ak2-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1al2-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1amN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-3-yl-acetamide1an N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-p-tolyl-acetamide1ao2-(3-Bromo-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1apN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetamide 1aqN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-phenyl-acetamide 1ar3,5,5-Trimethyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide 1as Octanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide 1atN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-naphthalen-2-yl-acetamide1au Heptanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide1avN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide1aw2-(Cyclohex-1-enyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1axN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetamide 1ayN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-acetamide1azN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-propionamide1ba N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-m-tolyl-acetamide1bbN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide1bcN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-butyramide1bdN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide1be2-Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1bf2-(3,4-Difluoro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1bg 4-Methyl-pentanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide 1bh2-(Cyclopent-2-enyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1bi2-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1bj 5-Methyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide 1bk2-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide1bl3-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide1bm Hexanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide 1bnN-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide1boN-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide1bpN-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide1bqN-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide1br N-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamideEach of these compounds is considered a specific embodiment and may besubjected to individual claims.

The present invention also comprises salts of the compounds of theinvention, typically, pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The salts ofthe invention include acid addition salts, metal salts, ammonium andalkylated ammonium salts.

The salts of the invention are preferably acid addition salts. The acidaddition salts of the invention are preferably pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts of the compounds of the invention formed with non-toxicacids. Acid addition salts include salts of inorganic acids as well asorganic acids. Examples of suitable inorganic acids includehydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulfuric, sulfamic,nitric acids and the like. Examples of suitable organic acids includeformic, acetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, benzoic,cinnamic, citric, fumaric, glycolic, itaconic, lactic, methanesulfonic,maleic, malic, malonic, mandelic, oxalic, picric, pyruvic, salicylic,succinic, methane sulfonic, ethanesulfonic, tartaric, ascorbic, pamoic,bismethylene salicylic, ethanedisulfonic, gluconic, citraconic,aspartic, stearic, palmitic, EDTA, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic,benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic acids, theophylline acetic acids, aswell as the 8-halotheophyllines, for example 8-bromotheophylline and thelike. Further examples of pharmaceutical acceptable inorganic or organicacid addition salts include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listedin J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 2, which is incorporated herein byreference.

Also intended as acid addition salts are the hydrates, which the presentcompounds, are able to form.

Examples of metal salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesiumsalts and the like.

Examples of ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts include ammonium,methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, ethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, diethyl-,n-butyl-, sec-butyl-, tert-butyl-, tetramethylammonium salts and thelike.

Further, the compounds of this invention may exist in unsolvated as wellas in solvated forms with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such aswater, ethanol and the like. In general, the solvated forms areconsidered equivalent to the unsolvated forms for the purposes of thisinvention.

The compounds of the present invention may have one or more asymmetriccentre and it is intended that any optical isomers (i.e. enantiomers ordiastereomers), as separated, pure or partially purified optical isomersand any mixtures thereof including racemic mixtures, i.e. a mixture ofstereoisomers, are included within the scope of the invention.

Racemic forms can be resolved into the optical antipodes by knownmethods, for example, by separation of diastereomeric salts with anoptically active acid, and liberating the optically active aminecompound by treatment with a base. Another method for resolvingracemates into the optical antipodes is based upon chromatography on anoptically active matrix. Racemic compounds of the present invention canalso be resolved into their optical antipodes, e.g. by fractionalcrystallization. The compounds of the present invention may also beresolved by the formation of diastereomeric derivatives. Additionalmethods for the resolution of optical isomers, known to those skilled inthe art, may be used. Such methods include those discussed by J. Jaques,A. Collet and S. Wilen in “Enantiomers, Racemates, and Resolutions”,John Wiley and Sons, New York (1981). Optically active compounds canalso be prepared from optically active starting materials, or bystereoselective synthesis.

Furthermore, when a double bond or a fully or partially saturated ringsystem is present in the molecule, geometric isomers may be formed. Itis intended that any geometric isomers, as separated, pure or partiallypurified geometric isomers or mixtures thereof are included within thescope of the invention. Likewise, molecules having a bond withrestricted rotation may form geometric isomers. These are also intendedto be included within the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, some of the compounds of the present invention may exist indifferent tautomeric forms and it is intended that any tautomeric formsthat the compounds are able to form are included within the scope of thepresent invention.

The invention also encompasses prodrugs of the present compounds, whichon administration undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processesbefore becoming pharmacologically active substances. In general, suchprodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds of the generalformula I, which are readily convertible in vivo into the requiredcompound of the formula I. Conventional procedures for the selection andpreparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example,in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

The invention also encompasses active metabolites of the presentcompounds.

The compounds according to the invention have affinity for the KCNQ2receptor subtype with an EC₅₀ of less than 15000 nM such as less than10000 nM as measured by the test “Relative efflux through the KCNQ2channel” which is described below. One embodiment concerns suchcompounds of formula I having affinity for the KCNQ2 receptor subtypewith an EC₅₀ of less than 2000 nM such as less than 1500 nM as measuredby the test “Relative efflux through the KCNQ2 channel” which isdescribed below. To further illustrate without limiting the invention anembodiment concerns such compounds having affinity for the KCNQ2receptor subtype with an EC₅₀ of less than 200 nM such as less than 150nM as measured by the test “Relative efflux through the KCNQ2 channel”which is described below.

One embodiment concerns such compounds of formula I having an ED₅₀ ofless than 15 mg/kg in the test “Maximum electroshock” which is describedbelow. To further illustrate without limiting the invention, anembodiment concerns such compounds having an ED₅₀ of less than 5 mg/kgin the test “Maximum electroshock” which is described below.

One embodiment concerns such compounds of formula I having an ED₅₀ ofless than 5 mg/kg in the “Electrical seizure-threshold test” and“Chemical seizure-threshold test” which is described below.

One embodiment concerns such compounds of formula I having few orclinically insignificant side effects. Some of the compounds accordingto the invention are thus tested in models of the unwanted sedative,hypothermic and ataxic actions.

One embodiment concerns such compounds of formula I having a largetherapeutic index between anticonvulsant efficacy and side-effects suchas impairment of locomotor activity or ataxic effects as measured byperformance on a rotating rod. Such compounds will expectedly be welltolerated in patients permitting high doses to be used before sideeffects are seen. Thereby compliance with the therapy will expectedly begood and administration of high doses may be permitted making thetreatment more efficacious in patients who would otherwise have sideeffects with other medications.

As already mentioned, the compounds according to the invention haveeffect on potassium channels of the KCNQ family, in particular the KCNQ2subunit, and they are thus considered useful for increasing ion flow ina voltage-dependent potassium channel in a mammal such as a human. Thecompounds of the invention are considered applicable in the treatment ofa disorder or disease being responsive to an increased ion flow in apotassium channel such as the KCNQ family potassium ion channels. Suchdisorder or disease is preferably a disorder or disease of the centralnervous system.

In one aspect, the compounds of the invention may be administered as theonly therapeutically effective compound.

In another aspect the compounds of the invention may be administered asa part of a combination therapy, i.e. the compounds of the invention maybe administered in combination with other therapeutically effectivecompounds having e.g. anti-convulsive properties. The effects of suchother compounds having anti-convulsive properties may include but not belimited to activities on:

-   -   ion channels such as sodium, potassium, or calcium channels    -   the excitatory amino acid systems e.g. blockade or modulation of        NMDA receptors    -   the inhibitory neurotransmitter systems e.g. enhancement of GABA        release, or blockade of GABA-uptake or    -   membrane stabilisation effects.

Current anti-convulsive medications include, but are not limited to,tiagabine, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, gabapentin,pregabalin, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, phenyloin, topiramate,zonisamide as well as members of the benzodiazepine and barbiturateclass.

An aspect of the invention provides a compound of formula I free base ora salt thereof for use as a medicament.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to the use of a compound offormula I free base or a salt thereof in a method of treatment.

An embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formula I free base or a salt thereof and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The composition maycomprise any of the embodiments of formula I as described above.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a disease or disorderwherein a KCNQ potassium channel opener such as a KCNQ2 potassiumchannel opener is beneficial. Typically, such disorder or disease isselected from the group consisting of seizure disorders, anxietydisorders, neuropathic pain and migraine pain disorders,neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, cocaine abuse, nicotine withdrawal,ethanol withdrawal and tinnitus.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of seizure disorders.

Typically, the seizure disorders to be treated are selected from thegroup consisting of acute seizures, convulsions, status epilepticus andepilepsy such as epileptic syndromes and epileptic seizures.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Typically, the anxiety disorders to be treated are selected from thegroup consisting of anxiety and disorders and diseases related to panicattack, agoraphobia, panic disorder with agoraphobia, panic disorderwithout agoraphobia, agoraphobia without history of panic disorder,specific phobia, social phobia and other specific phobias,obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, acutestress disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder due togeneral medical condition, substance-induced anxiety disorder,separation anxiety disorder, adjustment disorders, performance anxiety,hypochondriacal disorders, anxiety disorder due to general medicalcondition and substance-induced anxiety disorder and anxiety disordernot otherwise specified.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of neuropathic pain andmigraine pain disorders.

Typically, the neuropathic pain and migraine pain disorders to betreated are selected from the group consisting of allodynia,hyperalgesic pain, phantom pain, neuropathic pain related to diabeticneuropathy, neuropathic pain related to trigeminal neuralgia andneuropathic pain related to migraine.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of neurodegenerativedisorders.

Typically the neurodegenerative disorders to be treated are selectedfrom the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea,multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Creutzfeld-Jakobdisease, Parkinson's disease, encephalopathies induced by AIDS orinfection by rubella viruses, herpes viruses, borrelia and unknownpathogens, trauma-induced neurodegenerations, neuronal hyperexcitationstates such as in medicament withdrawal or intoxication andneurodegenerative diseases of the peripheral nervous system such aspolyneuropathies and polyneuritides.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of bipolar disorders.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a compoundof formula I free base or a salt thereof for the preparation of apharmaceutical composition for the treatment of sleep disorders; such asinsomnia.

The term “treatment” as used herein in connection with a disease ordisorders includes also prevention, inhibition and amelioration as thecase may be.

The invention provides compounds showing effect in at least one of thefollowing tests:

-   -   “Relative efflux through the KCNQ2 channel”    -   Which is a measure of the potency of the compound at the target        channel    -   “Maximum electroshock”    -   Which is a measure of seizures induced by non-specific CNS        stimulation by electrical means    -   “Pilocarpine induced seizures”    -   Seizures induced by pilocarpine are often difficult to treat        with many existing antiseizure medications and so reflect a        model of “drug resistant seizures”    -   “Electrical seizure-threshold tests” and “Chemical        seizure-threshold tests” These models measure the threshold at        which seizures are initiated, thus being models that detect        whether compounds could delay seizure initiation.    -   “Amygdala kindling”    -   Which is used as a measure of disease progression, as in normal        animals the seizures in this model get more severe as the animal        receives further stimulations.    -   “Electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings in CHO cells” and        “electrophysiological recordings of KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5        channels in oocytes”    -   In these tests voltage-activated KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5        currents are recorded.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition. Thecompounds of the invention as the free base or salts thereof may beadministered alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers or diluents, in either single or multiple doses. Thepharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulatedwith pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as anyother known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with conventionaltechniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 19 Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co.,Easton, Pa., 1995.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be specifically formulated foradministration by any suitable route such as the oral, rectal, nasal,pulmonary, topical (including buccal and sublingual), transdermal,intracisternal, intraperitoneal, vaginal and parenteral (includingsubcutaneous, intramuscular, intrathecal, intravenous and intradermal)route, the oral route being preferred. It will be appreciated that thepreferred route will depend on the general condition and age of thesubject to be treated, the nature of the disorder or disease to betreated and the active ingredient chosen.

The pharmaceutical compositions formed by combining the compound of theinvention and the pharmaceutical acceptable carriers are then readilyadministered in a variety of dosage forms suitable for the disclosedroutes of administration. The formulations may conveniently be presentedin unit dosage form by methods known in the art of pharmacy.

The compounds of this invention are generally utilized as the free baseor as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. One example is an acidaddition salt of a compound having the utility of a free base. When acompound of the invention contains a free base such salts are preparedin a conventional manner by treating a solution or suspension of a freebase of the invention with a chemical equivalent of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid. Representative examples are mentioned above.

Pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration may be solid orliquid. Solid dosage forms for oral administration include e.g.capsules, tablets, dragees, pills, lozenges, powders, granules andtablette e.g. placed in a hard gelatine capsule in powder or pellet formor e.g. in the form of a troche or lozenge. Where appropriate,pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration may be prepared withcoatings such as enteric coatings or they can be formulated so as toprovide controlled release of the active ingredient such as sustained orprolonged release according to methods well known in the art. Liquiddosage forms for oral administration include e.g. solutions, emulsions,suspensions, syrups and elixirs.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administrationmay be presented as discrete units such as capsules or tablets, eachcontaining a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, and whichmay include a suitable excipient. Furthermore, the orally availableformulations may be in the form of a powder or granules, a solution orsuspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or an oil-in-water orwater-in-oil liquid emulsion.

Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include inert solid diluents orfillers, sterile aqueous solution and various organic solvents. Examplesof solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, talc,gelatine, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, loweralkyl ethers of cellulose, corn starch, potato starch, gums and thelike. Examples of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil,phospho lipids, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, polyoxyethylene andwater.

The carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material knownin the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, aloneor mixed with a wax.

Any adjuvants or additives usually used for such purposes such ascolourings, flavourings, preservatives etc. may be used provided thatthey are compatible with the active ingredients.

The amount of solid carrier may vary but will usually be from about 25mg to about 1 g. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be inthe form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatine capsule or sterileinjectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension orsolution.

Tablets may be prepared by mixing the active ingredient with ordinaryadjuvants or diluents and subsequently compressing the mixture in aconventional tabletting machine.

Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration includesterile aqueous and nonaqueous injectable solutions, dispersions,suspensions or emulsions as well as sterile powders to be reconstitutedin sterile injectable solutions or dispersions prior to use. Depotinjectable formulations are also contemplated as being within the scopeof the present invention.

For parenteral administration, solutions of the compound of theinvention in sterile aqueous solution, aqueous propylene glycol, aqueousvitamin E or sesame or peanut oil may be employed. Such aqueoussolutions should be suitably buffered if necessary and the liquiddiluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. Theaqueous solutions are particularly suitable for intravenous,intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration. Thesterile aqueous media employed are all readily available by standardtechniques known to those skilled in the art.

Solutions for injections may be prepared by dissolving the activeingredient and possible additives in a part of the solvent forinjection, preferably sterile water, adjusting the solution to thedesired volume, sterilising the solution and filling it in suitableampoules or vials. Any suitable additive conventionally used in the artmay be added, such as tonicity agents, preservatives, antioxidants, etc.

Other suitable administration forms include suppositories, sprays,ointments, cremes, gels, inhalants, dermal patches, implants, etc.

A typical oral dosage is in the range of from about 0.001 to about 100mg/kg body weight per day, preferably from about 0.01 to about 50 mg/kgbody weight per day, and more preferred from about 0.05 to about 10mg/kg body weight per day administered in one or more dosages such as 1to 3 dosages. The exact dosage will depend upon the frequency and modeof administration, the sex, age, weight and general condition of thesubject treated, the nature and severity of the disorder or diseasetreated and any concomitant diseases to be treated and other factorsevident to those skilled in the art.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form bymethods known to those skilled in the art. A typical unit dosage formfor oral administration one or more times per day such as 1 to 3 timesper day may contain from 0.01 to about 1000 mg, such as about 0.01 to100 mg, preferably from about 0.05 to about 500 mg, and more preferredfrom about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg.

For parenteral routes such as intravenous, intrathecal, intramuscularand similar administration, typically doses are in the order of abouthalf the dose employed for oral administration.

Typical examples of recipes for the formulation of the invention are asfollows:

-   -   1) Tablets containing 5.0 mg of a compound of the invention        calculated as the free base:

Compound of the invention 5.0 mg Lactose 60 mg Maize starch 30 mgHydroxypropylcellulose 2.4 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 19.2 mgCroscarmellose Sodium Type A 2.4 mg Magnesium stearate 0.84 mg

-   -   2) Tablets containing 0.5 mg of a compound of the invention        calculated as the free base:

Compound of the invention 0.5 mg Lactose 46.9 mg Maize starch 23.5 mgPovidone 1.8 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 14.4 mg Croscarmellose SodiumType A 1.8 mg Magnesium stearate 0.63 mg

-   -   3) Syrup containing per millilitre:

Compound of the invention 25 mg Sorbitol 500 mg Hydroxypropylcellulose15 mg Glycerol 50 mg Methyl-paraben 1 mg Propyl-paraben 0.1 mg Ethanol0.005 mL Flavour 0.05 mg Saccharin sodium 0.5 mg Water ad 1 mL

-   -   4) Solution for injection containing per millilitre:

Compound of the invention 0.5 mg Sorbitol 5.1 mg Acetic Acid 0.05 mgSaccharin sodium 0.5 mg Water ad 1 mL

By the expression a compound of the invention is meant any one of theembodiments of formula I as described herein.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method ofpreparing a compound of the invention as described in the following.

Preparation of the Compounds of the Invention

The present invention relates to a compound represented by the generalformula I:

whereinq is 0 or 1;each of R¹ and R² is independently selected from the group consisting ofhalogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy; andR³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted Aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, optionally substitutedAryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,Heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,Heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl; whereineach of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl; as the free base or saltsthereof.

The compounds of the invention of the general formula I, wherein R¹, R²,R³ and q are as defined above may be prepared by the methods asrepresented in the schemes and as described below.

In the compounds of the general formulae I-XV, R¹, R², R³ and q are asdefined under formula I.

Compounds of the general formulae II, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII areeither obtained from commercial sources, or prepared by standard methodsknown to chemists skilled in the art.

Compounds of the general formula III (scheme 1) may be prepared byreacting compounds of the general formula II withbis-(2-haloethyl)ethers, with or without the addition of bases, such astrialkyl amines, potassium carbonate or lithium-, sodium-, or potassiumalcoholates, with or without the addition of catalysts such as sodiumiodide, in a suitable solvent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide,N,N-dimethylformamide or ethanol, at a suitable temperature, such asroom temperature or reflux temperature.

Compounds of the general formula IV (scheme 1) may be prepared fromcompounds of the general formula III, by nitration reactions known tochemists skilled in the art, such as reaction with concentrated nitricacid, sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate, in a suitable solvent, such asglacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, trifluoroacetic acid,concentrated sulfuric acid or mixtures thereof, at appropriatetemperatures, for example as described by P. B. D. de la Mare and J. H.Ridd, “Preparative methods of nitration” in Aromatic substitutions, pp.48-56, Butterworths Scientific Publications, London, 1959.

Compounds of the general formula V (scheme 2) may be prepared fromcompounds of the general formula II by nitration reactions known tochemists skilled in the art as described under scheme 1 for thepreparation of compounds of the general formula IV.

Compounds of the general formula IV (scheme 2) may be prepared byreacting compounds of the general formula V with suitably substitutedbis-(2-haloethyl)ethers as described under scheme 1 for the preparationof compounds of the general formula III.

Compounds of the general formula VI (scheme 3) may be prepared fromcompounds of the general formula IV, by reducing the nitro group to anamino group, with suitable reducing agents such as zinc or iron powderin the presence of acid such as acetic acid or aqueous hydrochloricacid, or by hydrogen gas or ammonium formate in the presence of asuitable hydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on activated carbon insuitable solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate ortetrahydrofuran, at suitable temperatures or under ultrasonicirradiation. Alternatively, tin (II) chloride or sodium dithionite canbe used as reducing agents under conditions well known to chemistsskilled in the art.

Compounds of the general formula I (scheme 3) may be prepared byreacting compounds of the general formula VI with suitable electrophilicreagents, such as, but not limited to, suitably substituted carboxylicacid fluorides, carboxylic acid chlorides, carboxylic acid bromides,carboxylic acid iodides, carboxylic acid anhydrides, activated esters,chloro formates, and with or without the addition of bases, such aspyridine, trialkyl amines, potassium carbonate, magnesium oxide orlithium-, sodium-, or potassium alcoholates, in a suitable solvent, suchas ethyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile or diethylether, at suitable temperatures, such as room temperature or refluxtemperature. Activated esters and carboxylic acid anhydrides can beprepared from suitably substituted carboxylic acids under conditionsknown to chemists skilled in the art, for example as described by F.Albericio and L. A. Carpino, “Coupling reagents and activation” inMethods in enzymology: Solid-phase peptide synthesis, pp. 104-126,Academic Press, New York, 1997. Carboxylic acid halides can be preparedfrom suitably substituted carboxylic acids by activation with reagentssuch as, but not limited to, thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride,phosphorus tribromide or phosphorus triiodide under conditions wellknown to chemists skilled in the art.

Compounds of the general formula II (scheme 4) may be prepared byreacting compounds of the general formula VII with sodium amide in asuitable solvent, such as xylene at a suitable temperature such asreflux temperature for example as described by J. Lecocq, Bull. Soc.Chim. Fr., 1950, 188.

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R² is F, Cl, Br or I(scheme 5), may be prepared from compounds of the general formula VIII,by means of metallation and subsequent reaction with a suitableelectrophile known to chemists skilled in the art, using appropriatebases such as butyllithium or lithiumdi-t-butyl(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino)zincate with subsequentaddition of a suitable electrophile such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine,iodine, carbon tetrabromide or hexachloroethane in a suitable solventsuch as heptane or tetrahydrofuran, at suitable temperatures, such as−78° C. or room temperature for example as described by F. Mongin and G.Quéguiner, Tetrahedron, 2001, 57, 4059.

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R¹ is F, Cl, Br or I(scheme 5), may be prepared from compounds of the general formula IX, bymeans of metallation and subsequent electrophilic aromatic substitutionas described above.

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R² is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula X, by means of cross-couplingreactions known to chemists skilled in the art, such as Negishi coupling(E.-I. Negishi, A. O. King and N. Okukado, J. Org. Chem., 1977, 42,1821), Sonogashira coupling (K. Sonogashira, Y. Tohda and N. Hagihara,Tet. Lett., 1975, 16, 4467), or other transition metal catalyzedcross-coupling reactions such as copper catalyzed reactions (W. Dohle,D. M. Lindsay and P. Knochel, Org. Lett., 2001, 3, 2871).

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula XI, by means of cross-couplingreactions as described above.

Additionally, compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R² is cyano(scheme 6), may be prepared from compounds of the general formula X, bymeans of nickel-catalyzed cyanation reactions known to chemists skilledin the art for example as described by L. Cassar, J. Organomet. Chem.,1973, 54, C57-C58.

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R¹ is cyano (scheme 6),may be prepared from compounds of the general formula XI, by means ofnickel-catalyzed cyanation reactions as described above.

Compounds of the general formula VII, wherein R¹═R² (scheme 6), may beprepared from compounds of the general formula X, wherein R¹═R²=Br, bymeans of cross-coupling reactions or cyanation reactions as describedabove.

Furthermore, compounds of general formula XIII (scheme 7), wherein R1and R2 are halogen, can be prepared from 2,4,6-trihalopyridines ofgeneral formula XII, wherein R1 and R2 are halogen, by nitrationreactions known to chemists skilled in the art as described under scheme1 for the preparation of compounds of the general formula IV.

Compounds of general formula XIV (scheme 7), wherein R1 and R2 arehalogen, may be prepared by from compounds of general type XII, whereinR1 and R2 are halogen, by reaction with morpholine in a suitable solventsuch as dimethyl sulfoxide or N-methylpyrrolidinone, and with or withoutthe addition of bases, such as pyridine, trialkyl amines, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium oxide, at suitable temperatures, such as roomtemperature or reflux temperature.

Compounds of general type XV may be prepared from compounds of generaltype XIII by reaction with morpholine in a suitable solvent such asdimethyl sulfoxide or N-methylpyrrolidinone, and with or without theaddition of bases, such as pyridine, trialkyl amines, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium oxide, at suitable temperatures, such as roomtemperature or reflux temperature. Additionally, compounds of generaltype XV may be prepared from compounds of general type XIV by nitrationreactions known to chemists skilled in the art as described under scheme1 for the preparation of compounds of the general formula IV.

Furthermore, compounds of general formula IV, wherein R¹ or R² or bothR¹ and R² is cyano (scheme 7), may be prepared from compounds of generalformula XV, using cyanation reactions as described above. Compounds ofgeneral formula III, wherein R¹ or R² or both R¹ and R² is cyano, may beprepared from compounds of general formula XIV, using cyanationreactions as described above.

Compounds of the general formula III, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula XIV, by means of cross-couplingreactions as described above (scheme 6).

Compounds of the general formula III, wherein R² is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula XIV, by means of cross-couplingreactions as described above (scheme 6).

Compounds of the general formula IV, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula XV, by means of cross-couplingreactions as described above (scheme 6).

Compounds of the general formula IV, wherein R² is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl orhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl (scheme 6), may be preparedfrom compounds of the general formula XV, by means of cross-couplingreactions as described above (scheme 6).

Compounds of general formula IV, wherein R¹ or R² or both R¹ and R² isC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy orC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, may be prepared from compoundsof general formula XV by reaction with the appropriate lithium-,sodium-, or potassium alcoholates or alcohols in the presence of basesuch as lithium-, sodium-, or potassium hydroxide, lithium-, sodium-, orpotassium hydride, and with or without the addition of a catalyst suchas copper sulfate, in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, at suitabletemperatures, such as room temperature or reflux temperature.

Compounds of general formula III, wherein R¹ or R² or both R¹ and R² isC₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy orC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy, may be prepared from compoundsof general formula XIV by reaction with the appropriate lithium-,sodium-, or potassium alcoholates or alcohols in the presence of basesuch as lithium-, sodium-, or potassium hydroxide, lithium-, sodium-, orpotassium hydride, and with or without the addition of a catalyst suchas copper sulfate, in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, at suitabletemperatures, such as room temperature or reflux temperature.

Additionally, for further variation of R¹ and R², compounds containing amethoxy-group, can be demethylated by methods known to chemists skilledin the art, such as treatment with boron tribromide in a suitablesolvent, such as dichloromethane, at suitable temperatures, such as 0°C. or room temperature. The resulting phenols can then be alkylated bymethods known to chemists skilled in the art. Such methods include: (a)the reaction with electrophiles, such as alkyl chlorides, alkylbromides, alkyl iodides, carbonic acid chlorides, carbonic acidbromides, or carbonic acid anhydrides in the presence of suitable bases,such as potassium carbonate, in a suitable solvent, such astetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, or 1,2-dichloroethane, atsuitable temperatures, such as room temperature or reflux temperature;(b) the reaction with allyl alcohols under conditions known as theMitsunobu reaction (O. Mitsunobu, Synthesis 1981, 1).

Compounds containing functional groups, such as hydroxy groups, notcompatible with suggested reaction conditions, can be protected anddeprotected by methods known to chemists skilled in the art, for exampleas described by T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective groups inorganic synthesis, 2^(nd) edition, Wiley Interscience, 1991. Inparticular, hydroxy groups can be protected as, but not limited to,methyl-, tert-butyl-, trialkylsilyl-, triarylsilyl-, allyl- or tritylethers.

Alkynes prepared by Sonogashira reactions may be reduced to alkenes oralkanes by reduction with hydrogen gas or ammonium formate in thepresence of a suitable hydrogenation catalyst such as palladium onactivated carbon or platinum on activated carbon in suitable solventssuch as methanol, ethanol or tetrahydrofuran, at suitable temperaturesfor example as described by S. Siegel, “Heterogeneous catalytichydrogenation of C═C and alkynes” in Comprehensive Organic Synthesis, v.8, pp. 417-442, Pergamon Press, 1991.

Preparation of the Compounds of the Invention EXAMPLES

Analytical LC-MS data were obtained on a PE Sciex API 150EX instrumentequipped with atmospheric pressure photo ionisation and a ShimadzuLC-8A/SLC-10A LC system. Column: 30×4.6 mm Waters Symmetry C18 columnwith 3.5 μm particle size; Solventsystem: A=water/trifluoroacetic acid(100:0.05) and B=water/acetonitrile/trifluoroacetic acid (5:95:0.03);Method: Linear gradient elution with 90% A to 100% B in 4 minutes andwith a flow rate of 2 mL/minute. Purity was determined by integration ofthe UV (254 nm) and ELSD trace. The retention times (t_(R)) areexpressed in minutes.

Preparative LC-MS-purification was performed on the same instrument withatmospheric pressure chemical ionisation. Column: 50×20 mm YMC ODS-Awith 5 μm particle size; Method: Linear gradient elution with 80% A to100% B in 7 minutes and with a flow rate of 22.7 mL/minute. Fractioncollection was performed by split-flow MS detection.

Analytical LC-MS-TOF (TOF=time of flight) data were obtained on amicromass LCT 4-ways MUX equipped with a Waters 2488/Sedex 754 detectorsystem. Column: 30×4.6 mm Waters Symmetry C18 column with 3.5 μmparticle size; Solventsystem: A=water/trifluoroacetic acid (100:0.05)and B=water/acetonitrile/trifluoroacetic acid (5:95:0.03); Method:Linear gradient elution with 90% A to 100% B in 4 minutes and with aflow rate of 2 mL/minute. Purity was determined by integration of the UV(254 nm) and ELSD trace. The retention times (t_(R)) are expressed inminutes.

GC-MS data were obtained on a Varian CP 3800 gaschromatograph fittedwith a Phenomenex column (Zebron ZB-5, length: 15 metres, internaldiameter: 0.25 mm) coupled to a Varian Saturn 2000 iontrap massspectrometer. Method: Duration 15 minutes, column flow 1.4 mL/minute(carrier gas was helium), oven gradient: 0-1 minute, 60° C.; 1-13minutes, 60-300° C.; 13-15 minutes, 300° C.

¹H NMR spectra were recorded at 500.13 MHz on a Bruker Avance DRX 500instrument. Deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide (99.8% D) was used as solvent.Tetramethylsilane was used as internal reference standard. Chemicalshift values are expressed in ppm-values relative to tetramethylsilane.The following abbreviations are used for multiplicity of NMR signals:s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, qui=quintet, h=heptet,dd=double doublet, ddd=double double doublet, dt=double triplet,dq=double quartet, tt=triplet of triplets, m=multiplet and b=broadsinglet.

Preparation of Intermediates 4-(4,6-Dimethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-morpholine

2-Amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine (50 g), bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (57.5 mL),sodium iodide (6.13 g) and triethylamine (137 mL) were mixed in dryN,N-dimethylformamide (1 L) under argon and heated to 150° C. for 16hours. Water/brine/saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2:1:1, 750 mL)were added to the cooled reaction mixture and it was extracted withethyl acetate (5×200 mL). The combined organic phases were concentratedin vacuo to app. 500 mL. Water (500 mL) and concentrated aqueoushydrochloric acid (35 mL) were added, the phases separated and theaqueous phase washed with ethyl acetate (200 mL). The aqueous phase wasmade basic with the addition of concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide(50 mL) and extracted with isopropyl acetate (5×200 mL). The organicphaes was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo tofurnish 44.0 g (56% yield) of the title compound as a black oil. Thecrude product was used without further purification. GC-MS (m/z) 192(M⁺); t_(R)=5.60. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 2.08 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H),3.39 (m, 4H), 3.68 (m, 4H), 6.05 (s, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H).

4-(4,6-Dimethyl-5-nitro-pyridin-2-yl)-morpholine

To 4-(4,6-dimethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (9.4 g) dissolved intrifluoroacetic acid (250 mL) cooled to 0° C. was added sodium nitrite(3.54 g) over 15 minutes and the reaction mixture was then stirred 15minutes at 0° C. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to app.100 mL and the pH adjusted to 11 with concentrated aqueous sodiumhydroxide (150 mL). Brine (200 mL) was added and the mixture wasextracted with diethyl ether (4×150 mL), the organic phase was driedover magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product wassubjected to flash chromatography (SiO₂, heptane/ethylacetate 4:1) tofurnish 2.01 g (17% yield) of the title compound as a yellow solid.GC-MS (m/z) 237 (M⁺); t_(R)=7.69. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 2.28 (s,3H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 3.60 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.72 (s, 1H).

2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-ylamine

Glacial acetic acid (25 mL) was added slowly to a mixture of zinc dust(2.76 g) and 4-(4,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-pyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (2.01 g)in tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) cooled to 0° C. The reaction mixture wasthen stirred for 16 hours at 25° C., filtered through celite, made basicwith 25% aqueous ammonia and extracted with tetrahydrofuran (3×75 mL).The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate andconcentrated in vacuo to furnish 1.76 g (100%) of the title compound asa dark red solid. GC-MS (m/z) 207 (M⁺); t_(R)=7.27. ¹H NMR (500 MHz,DMSO-d₆): 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 3.16 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 4.10(b, 2H), 6.38 (s, 1H).

4-(4,6-Dichloropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine

Morpholine (5.0 g) was added to a suspension of 2,4,6-trichloropyridine(10.0 g) and sodium carbonate (5.9 g) in acetonitrile (100 mL). Thereaction mixture was then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hours, cooled toambient temperature, filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuo.The crude product was subjected to flash chromatography (SiO₂,heptane/ethylacetate 4:1) to furnish 3.90 g (30% yield) of the titlecompound as an off-white solid. LC-MS (m/z) 323.8 (M⁺); t_(R)=3.10, (UV,ELSD) 98.5%, 98.9%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.50 (m, 4H), 3.80 (m, 4H),6.45 (s, 1H), 6.67 (s, 1H).

4-(4,6-Dichloro-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine

To a solution of 4-(4,6-dichloropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (3.90 g) inconcentrated sulfuric acid (40 mL) was added potassium nitrate (1.80 g)over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hours atambient temperature and then poured in to chrushed ice (500 g). Thereaction mixture was made alkaline with concentrated sodium hydroxideand extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL). The combined organic phaseswere dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The crudeproduct was subjected to flash chromatography (SiO₂,heptane/ethylacetate 3:1) to furnish 2.26 g (49% yield) of the titlecompound as a yellow solid. LC-MS (m/z) 278.0 (M⁺); t_(R)=3.10, (UV,ELSD) 96.5%, 98.8%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.62 (m, 4H), 3.80 (m, 4H),6.50 (s, 1H).

4-(4-Chloro-6-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine and4-(6-Chloro-4-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine

To a solution of 4-(4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (2.02g) in methanol (15 ml) was added sodium methoxide (0.98 g) and themixture was heated for 16 hours at 65° C. After cooling to ambienttemperature the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The crudeproduct was subjected to flash chromatography (SiO₂,heptane/ethylacetate 3:1) to furnish 0.89 g (45% yield) of4-(4-chloro-6-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (fast elutingband) and 0.38 g (19%) of4-(6-chloro-4-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine (late elutingband), both as yellow solids.

4-(4-chloro-6-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine: LC-MS (m/z) 273(M⁺); t_(R)=2.77, (UV, ELSD) 95%, 97%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.60 (m,4H), 3.80 (m, 4H), 3.96 (s, 1H), 6.17 (s, 1H).

4-(6-chloro-4-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine: LC-MS (m/z) 273(M⁺); t_(R)=2.39, (UV, ELSD) 93%, 95%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.57 (m,4H), 3.80 (m, 4H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 5.95 (s, 1H).

4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-ylpyridin-3-ylamine

To a solution of 4-(4-chloro-6-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine(0.82 g) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (50 mL) was added a solutionof stannous dichloride (3.38 g) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (80mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 75° C. for 1 hour and thenpoured on to chrushed ice (400 g) and extracted with ethyl acetate(2×100 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesiumsulfate and concentrated in vacuo, to furnish 0.45 g (61% yield) of thetitle compound as an off-white solid. LC-MS (m/z) 244 (M⁺); t_(R)=1.48,(UV, ELSD) 89%, 94%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.30 (m, 4H), 3.65 (br s,2H), 3.85 (m, 4H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 6.20 (s, 1H).

2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-ylpyridin-3-ylamine

To a solution of 4-(6-chloro-4-methoxy-5-nitropyridin-2-yl)-morpholine(0.38 g) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (20 mL) was added a solutionof stannous dichloride (1.57 g) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (60mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 75° C. for 5 minutes and thenpoured on to chrushed ice (100 g) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×20mL). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate andconcentrated in vacuo, to furnish 0.28 g (83% yield) of the titlecompound as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.35 (m, 4H),3.65 (br s, 2H), 3.80 (m, 4H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 6.10 (s, 1H).

Compounds of the Invention

Acid addition salts of the compounds of the invention may easily beformed by methods known to the person skilled in the art.

Example 1 1aa (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acidbenzyl ester

Benzyl chloroformate (18 mg) was added to a solution of 0.085 M2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-ylamine and 0.17 MN,N-diisopropyl-ethylamine in 1,2-dichloroethane (1 mL). The vial wasshaken for 16 hours under argon and concentrated in vacuo. Aqueoussodium hydroxide (1 M, 1 mL) was added and the crude mixture wasextracted with isopropyl acetate/tetrahydrofuran (4:1, 2×1 mL). Theorganic phase was washed with brine (1 mL), concentrated in vacuo andredissolved in 1-propanol/dimethyl sulfoxide (1:1, 0.4 mL) of which 0.2mL was subjected to preparative LC-MS purification to furnish 4.5 mg(31% yield) of the title compound as an oil. LC-MS (m/z) 342 (MH⁺);t_(R)=1.58, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%.

The following compounds were prepared analogously:

1ab (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid2-chloro-benzyl ester

Yield: 18%. LC-MS (m/z) 376 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.78, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 100%.

1ac2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 4%. LC-MS (m/z) 360 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.59, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 100%.

1ad 2-Phenyl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 24%. LC-MS (m/z) 352 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.64, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 100%.

1aeN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-2-yl-acetamide

Yield: 16%. LC-MS (m/z) 332 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.20, (UV, ELSD) 93%, 99%.

1af3-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide

Yield: 15%. LC-MS (m/z) 346 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.81, (UV, ELSD) 91%, 100%.

1ag (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid isobutylester

Yield: 29%. LC-MS (m/z) 308 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.44, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 99%.

1ah3-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide

3-(3-Chlorophenyl)propionic acid (20 mg) was stirred at 25° C. for 2hours under argon in oxalyl chloride (2 M in dichloromethane, 1 mL). Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and a solution of 0.085 M2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-ylamine and 0.17 MN,N-diisopropyl-ethylamine in 1,2-dichloroethane (1 mL) was added to thereaction mixture. The vial was shaken for 16 hours under argon andconcentrated in vacuo. Aqueous sodium hydroxide (1 M, 1 mL) was addedand the crude mixture was extracted with isopropylacetate/tetrahydrofuran (4:1, 2×1 mL). The organic phase was washed withbrine (1 mL), concentrated in vacuo and redissolved in1-propanol/dimethyl sulfoxide (1:1, 0.4 mL) of which 0.2 mL wassubjected to preparative LC-MS purification to furnish 2.3 mg (14%yield) of the title compound as an oil. LC-MS (m/z) 374 (MH⁺);t_(R)=1.71, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%.

The following compounds were prepared analogously:

1aiN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 19%. LC-MS (m/z) 354 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.69, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%.

1ajN-(2,24-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-p-tolyl-propionamide

Yield: 20%. LC-MS (m/z) 354 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.64, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 100%.

1ak2-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 14%. LC-MS (m/z) 360 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.58, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 99%.

1al2-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 9%. LC-MS (m/z) 395 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.84, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 99%.

1amN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-3-yl-acetamide

Yield: 18%. LC-MS (m/z) 332 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.18, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 99%.

1an N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-p-tolyl-acetamide

Yield: 16%. LC-MS (m/z) 340 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.50, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 99%.

1ao2-(3-Bromo-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 12%. LC-MS (m/z) 405 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.63, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 99%.

1apN-(2,24-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-difluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 20%. LC-MS (m/z) 394 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.77, (UV, ELSD) 94%, 99%.

1aq N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-phenyl-acetamide

Yield: 11%. LC-MS (m/z) 326 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.29, (UV, ELSD) 93%, 99%.

1ar 3,5,5-Trimethyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 20%. LC-MS (m/z) 348 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.97, (UV, ELSD) 93%, 99%.

1as Octanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 44%. LC-MS (m/z) 334 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.92, (UV, ELSD) 92%, 99%.

1atN-(2,24-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-naphthalen-2-yl-acetamide

Yield: 4%. LC-MS (m/z) 376 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.73, (UV, ELSD) 92%, 99%.

1au Heptanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 24%. LC-MS (m/z) 320 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.56, (UV, ELSD) 90%, 99%.

1avN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 26%. LC-MS (m/z) 354 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.65, (UV, ELSD) 77%, 99%.

1aw2-Cyclohex-1-enyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 13%. LC-MS (m/z) 330 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.50, (UV, ELSD) 72%, 99%.

1axN-(2,24-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 16%. LC-MS (m/z) 370 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.56, (UV, ELSD) 94%, 99%.

1ayN-(2,24-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 19%. LC-MS (m/z) 356 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.35, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 99%.

1azN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-propionamide

Yield: 15%. LC-MS (m/z) 370 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.48, (UV, ELSD) 76%, 99%.

1ba N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-m-tolyl-acetamide

m-Tolylacetic acid (0.33 g), N,N-diisopropyl-ethylamine (0.90 mL) andN-[(dimethylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazolo-[4,5-b]pyridin-1-yl-methylene]-N-methyl-methanaminiumhexafluoro-phosphate N-oxide (1.00 g) were mixed in dryN,N-dimethylformamide (3 mL) and stirred under argon for 2 minutes.2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-ylamine (0.30 g) dissolved indry N,N-dimethylformamide (2 mL) was added to the reaction mixture,which was stirred at 25° C. under argon for 16 hours. Ethyl acetate (20mL) was added and the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueousammonium chloride/water (1:1, 20 mL), water (20 mL), brine/water (1:1,20 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified byflash chromatography (SiO₂, heptane/ethylacetate 3:1) to furnish 0.069 g(14% yield) of the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS (m/z) 340(MH⁺); t_(R)=1.42, (UV, ELSD) 96%, 100%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 2.00(s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.56 (s, 2H), 3.67(m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.21 (t, 1H), 9.30(s, 1H).

The following compounds were prepared analogously:

1bbN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 14%. LC-MS (m/z) 344 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.34, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.99 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.60(s, 2H), 3.66 (m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 7.16 (dd, 2H), 7.38 (dd, 2H), 9.33(s, 1H).

1bcN-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-butyramide

Yield: 53%. LC-MS (m/z) 306 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.26, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 98%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.05 (s, 9H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 2H), 2.19(s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.54 (s, 1H), 9.01 (s, 1H).

1bdN-(2,4-Diethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide

Yield: 15%. LC-MS (m/z) 344 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.54, (UV, ELSD) 100%, 100%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.64(s, 2H), 3.66 (m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 7.08 (dt, 1H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.38(m, 1H), 9.34 (s, 1H).

1be2-Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide.

Yield: 62%. LC-MS (m/z) 344 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.58, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.14 (m, 4H), 1.42 (m, 4H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 2.01(m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.21 (m, 2H), 3.37(m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H).

1bf2-(3,4-Difluoro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 9%. LC-MS (m/z) 362 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.52, (UV, ELSD) 95%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.63(s, 2H), 3.66 (m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 7.19 (m, 1H), 7.39 (m, 2H), 9.32(s, 1H).

1bg 4-Methyl-pentanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 34%. LC-MS (m/z) 306 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.33, (UV, ELSD) 100%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 0.91 (d, 6H), 1.49 (dt, 2H), 1.58 (m, 1H), 2.04(s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.28 (t, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.53(s, 1H), 9.07 (s, 1H).

1bh2-Cyclopent-2-enyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 13%. LC-MS (m/z) 316 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.25, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 94%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.51 (m, 1H), 2.05 (m, 1H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 2.17(s, 3H), 2.26 (m, 2H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 3.07 (m, 1H), 3.38 (m, 4H), 3.68(m, 4H), 5.73 (m, 1H), 5.77 (m, 1H), 6.54 (s, 1H), 9.09 (s, 1H).

1bi2-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

Yield: 12%. LC-MS (m/z) 332 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.50, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 95%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 0.98 (m, 2H), 1.20 (m, 3H), 1.71 (m, 6H), 2.05(s, 3H), 2.15 (d, 2H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.53(s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H).

1bj 5-Methyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 40%. LC-MS-TOF (m/z) 320 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.51, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 100%.¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 0.87 (d, 6H), 1.21 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 3H),2.05 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.25 (t, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H),6.53 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H).

1bk2-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide

2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-ylamine (0.22 g) andcyclopentylacetyl chloride (0.19 mL) were dissolved in acetonitrile (5mL) and heated to 150° C. for 10 minutes in a sealed microwave processvial. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified byflash chromatography (SiO₂, heptane/ethylacetate 3:1) to furnish 0.17 g(49% yield) of the title compound as a white solid. LC-MS (m/z) 318(MH⁺); t_(R)=1.40, (UV, ELSD) 97%, 99%. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.21(m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.17(s, 3H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.26 (m, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.53(s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H).

The following compounds were prepared analogously except 1bl and 1bmwhich were recrystallized from ethyl acetate after flash chromatography:

1bl3-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide

Yield: 34%. LC-MS (m/z) 332 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.57, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.11 (m, 2H), 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 4H), 1.77(m, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.28 (t, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67(m, 4H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H).

1bm Hexanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide

Yield: 51%. LC-MS (m/z) 306 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.39, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 0.88 (t, 3H), 1.31 (m, 4H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 2.05(s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.27 (t, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 6.53(s, 1H), 9.03 (s, 1H).

1bnN-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-ylpyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide

Yield: 53%. LC-MS (m/z) 354 (MH⁺); t_(R)=2.68, (UV, ELSD) 98%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 1.25 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.65 (m, 4H), 1.90 (m, 2H),2.45 (m, 3H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 3.77 (m, 4H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 6.20 (s, 1H),6.50 (s, 1H).

1boN-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide

Yield: 69%. LC-MS (m/z) 354 (MH⁺); t_(R)=2.39, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 1.25 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.70 (m, 4H), 1.90 (m, 2H),2.35 (m, 3H), 3.50 (m, 4H), 3.80 (m, 4H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 6.00 (s, 1H),6.45 (s, 1H).

1bpN-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide

Yield: 56%. LC-MS (m/z) 342 (MH⁺); t_(R)=2.31, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 1.10 (s, 9H), 2.25 (s, 2H), 3.50 (m, 4H), 3.77 (m,4H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 6.00 (s, 1H), 6.45 (s, 1H).

1bqN-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide

Yield: 68%. LC-MS (m/z) 342 (MH⁺); t_(R)=1.39, (UV, ELSD) 99%, 99%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.10 (s, 9H), 2.15 (s, 2H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 3.70(m, 4H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 6.45 (s, 1H), 8.95 (s, 1H).

1br N-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide

Yield: 71%. LC-MS (m/z) 300 (MH⁺); t_(R)=0.97, (UV, ELSD) 98%, 98%. ¹HNMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.05 (t, 3H), 2.25 (q, 2H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 3.70(m, 4H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 6.45 (s, 1H), 9.00 (s, 1H).

TABLE 1 Reagents used for the preparation of compounds in Example 1.Name Supplier CAS no. Cat. no. 1-Cyclohexenylacetic acid Alfa 18294-87-619462 3,4-Difluorophenylacetic acid ABCR 658-93-5 F02874E3-Bromophenylacetic acid Aldrich 1878-67-7 28,886-1 3-Chlorophenylaceticacid Aldrich 1878-65-5 C6,335-9 3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acidAldrich 351-35-9 19,335-6 2-Amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine Aldrich 5407-87-4A5,180-7 2-Chlorobenzyl chloroformate Aldrich 39545-31-8 49,379-12-Cyclopentene-1-acetic acid Aldrich 13668-61-6 C11,285-22-Naphthylacetic acid Aldrich 581-96-4 31,791-8 2-Phenylacetic acidAldrich 103-82-2 P1,662-1 2,4,6-trichloropyridine Aldrich 16063-69-763,353-4 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)propionic acid ABCR 21640-48-2 TWC29253-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propionic acid Aldrich 1929-29-9 M2,352-73-(4-Methylphenyl)propionic acid Aldrich 1505-50-6 11,826-53,4-Dichlorophenylacetic acid Aldrich 5807-30-7 28,000-33,4-Dimethylphenylacetic acid Vitas-M 17283-16-8 TBB0003673,5,5-Trimethylhexanoic acid Acros 3302-10-1 26944-02503,5-Dimethylphenylacetic acid ABCR 42288-46-0 C-42288-463-Cyclohexylpropionyl chloride Acros 39098-75-4 35071-02503-Cyclopentylpropionyl chloride Aldrich 104-97-2 26,859-33-Fluorophenylacetic acid Aldrich 331-25-9 24,804-5 4-Chlorophenylacetylchloride Lancaster 25026-34-0 6317 4-Fluorophenylacetic acid Aldrich405-50-5 F1,330-4 4-Methoxy-3-methylphenylacetic acid Vitas-M 4513-73-9TBB000371 4-Methoxyphenylacetic acid Aldrich 104-01-8 M1,920-14-Methylpentanoic acid Aldrich 646-07-1 27,782-7 5-Methylhexanoic acidMatrix 628-46-6 3527 Benzyl chloroformate Aldrich 501-53-1 11,993-8Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-acetic acid Aldrich 1007-01-8 12,726-4Bis-(2-chloroethyl)ether Aldrich 111-44-4 C4,113-4 Cyclohexyl-aceticacid Aldrich 5292-21-7 C10,450-7 Cyclopentylacetyl chloride Lancaster1122-99-2 14562 Heptanoic acid Aldrich 111-14-8 14,687-0 Hexanoylchloride Aldrich 142-61-0 29,465-9 Isobutyl chloroformate Aldrich543-27-1 17,798-9 m-Tolylacetic acid Aldrich 621-36-3 T3,809-1N-(Dimethylamino)-1H-1,2,3- Fluka 148893-10-1 11373 triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-1- ylmethylene]-N- methylmethanaminium hexafluorophosphateN-oxide Octanoic acid Aldrich 124-07-2 15,375-3 Oxalyl chloride Aldrich79-37-8 32,042-0 p-Tolylacetic acid Aldrich 622-47-9 T3,810-5 sodiumiodide Aldrich 7681-82-5 32,245-8 sodium nitrite Aldrich 7632-00-051,091-2 Tert-butylacetic acid Aldrich 1070-83-3 B8,840-3Thiophen-2-acetyl chloride Aldrich 39098-97-0 19,599-5Thiophene-3-acetic acid Aldrich 6964-21-2 22,063-9 Trans-2-phenyl-1-Aldrich 939-87-7 13,430-9 cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride Zinc Aldrich52374-36-4 20,998-8

In Vitro and In Vivo Testing

The compounds of the invention have been tested and shown effect in atleast one of the below models:

Relative Efflux through the KCNQ2 Channel.

This exemplifies a KCNQ2 screening protocol for evaluating compounds ofthe present invention. The assay measures the relative efflux throughthe KCNQ2 channel, and was carried out according to a method describedby Tang et al. (Tang, W. et. al., J. Biomol. Screen. 2001, 6, 325-331)for hERG potassium channels with the modifications described below.

An adequate number of CHO cells stably expressing voltage-gated KCNQ2channels were plated at a density sufficient to yield a confluentmono-layer on the day before the experiment. The cells were loaded with1 μCi/ml [⁸⁶Rb] over night. On the day of the experiment cells werewashed with a HBSS-containing buffer (Hanks balanced salt solutionprovided from Invitrogen, cat#14025-050). Cells were pre-incubated withdrug for 30 minutes and the ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux was stimulated by a submaximalconcentration of 15 mM potassium chloride in the continued presence ofdrug for additional 30 minutes. After a suitable incubation period, thesupernatant was removed and counted in a liquid scintillation counter(Tricarb). Cells were lysed with 2 mM sodium hydroxide and the amount of⁸⁶Rb⁺ was counted. The relative efflux was calculated((CPM_(super)/(CPM_(super)+CPM_(cell)))_(Cmpd)/(CPM_(super)/(CPM_(super)+CPM_(cell)))_(15 mM KCl))*100−100.

The compounds of the invention have an EC₅₀ of less than 20000 nM, inmost cases less than 2000 nM and in many cases less than 200 nM.Accordingly, the compounds of the invention are considered to be usefulin the treatment of diseases associated with the KCNQ family potassiumchannels.

Electrophysiological Patch-Clamp Recordings in CHO Cells

Voltage-activated KCNQ2 currents were recorded from mammalian CHO cellsby use of conventional patch-clamp recordings techniques in thewhole-cell patch-clamp configuration (Hamill O P et. al. Pflügers Arch1981; 391: 85-100). CHO cells with stable expression ofvoltage-activated KCNQ2 channels were grown under normal cell cultureconditions in CO₂ incubators and used for electrophysiologicalrecordings 1-7 days after plating. KCNQ2 potassium channels wereactivated by voltage steps up to +80 mV in increments of 5-20 mV (orwith a ramp protocol) from a membrane holding potential between −100 mVand −40 mV (Tatulian L et al. J Neuroscience 2001; 21 (15): 5535-5545).The electrophysiological effects induced by the compounds were evaluatedon various parameters of the voltage-activated KCNQ2 current. Especiallyeffects on the activation threshold for the current and on the maximuminduced current were studied.

Some of the compounds of the invention have been tested in this test. Aleft-ward shift of the activation threshold or an increase in themaximum induced potassium current is expected to decrease the activityin neuronal networks and thus make the compounds useful in diseases withincreased neuronal activity—like epilepsia.

Electrophysiological Recordings of KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5 Channelsin Oocytes

Voltage-activated KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5 currents were recordedfrom Xenopus oocytes injected with mRNA coding for KCNQ2, KCNQ2+KCNQ3 orKCNQ5 ion channels (Wang et al., Science 1998, 282, 1890-1893; Lerche etal., J Biol Chem 2000, 275, 22395-400). KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5potassium channels were activated by voltage steps from the membraneholding potential (between −100 mV and −40 mV) up to +40 mV inincrements of 5-20 mV (or by a ramp protocol). The electrophysiologicaleffects induced by the compounds were evaluated on various parameters ofthe voltage-activated KCNQ2, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 or KCNQ5 currents. Especiallyeffects on the activation threshold for the current and on the maximuminduced current were studied.

The hyperpolarizing effects of some of the compounds were also testeddirectly on the membrane potential during current clamp.

Maximum Electroshock

The test was conducted in groups of male mice using corneal electrodesand administering a square wave current of 26 mA for 0.4 seconds inorder to induce a convulsion characterised by a tonic hind limbextension (Wlaz et al. Epilepsy Research 1998, 30, 219-229).

Pilocarpine Induced Seizures

Pilocarpine induced seizures are induced by intraperitoneal injection ofpilocarpine 250 mg/kg to groups of male mice and observing for seizureactivity resulting in loss of posture within a period of 30 minutes(Starr et al. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 1993, 45, 321-325).

Electrical Seizure-Threshold Test

A modification of the up-and-down method (Kimball et al. RadiationResearch 1957, 1-12) was used to determine the median threshold toinduce tonic hind-limb extension in response to corneal electroshock ingroups of male mice. The first mouse of each group received anelectroshock at 14 mA, (0.4 s, 50 Hz) and was observed for seizureactivity. If a seizure was observed the current was reduced by 1 mA forthe next mouse, however, if no seizure was observed then the current wasincreased by 1 mA. This procedure was repeated for all 15 mice in thetreatment group.

Chemical Seizure-Threshold Test

The threshold dose of pentylenetetrazole required to induce a clonicconvulsion was measured by timed infusion of pentylenetetrazole (5 mg/mLat 0.5 mL/minute) into a lateral tail vein of groups of male mice (Nuttet al. J Pharmacy and Pharmacology 1986, 38, 697-698).

Amygdala Kindling

Rats underwent surgery to implantation of tri-polar electrodes into thedorsolateral amygdala. After surgery the animals were allowed to recoverbefore the groups of rats received either varying doses of test compoundor the drug's vehicle. The animals were stimulated with their initialafter discharge threshold+25 μA daily for 3-5 weeks and on each occasionseizure severity, seizure duration, and duration of electrical afterdischarge were noted, (Racine. Electroencephalography and ClinicalNeurophysiology 1972, 32, 281-294).

Side Effects

Central nervous system side-effects were measured by measuring the timemice would remain on rotarod apparatus (Capacio et al. Drug and ChemicalToxicology 1992, 15, 177-201); or by measuring their locomotor activityby counting the number of infra-red beams crossed in a test cage (Watsonet al. Neuropharmacology 1997, 36, 1369-1375). Hypothermic actions onthe animals core body temperature of the compound were measured byeither rectal probe or implanted radiotelemetry transmitters capable ofmeasuring temperature (Keeney et al. Physiology and Behaviour 2001, 74,177-184).

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds were determined via.i.v. and p.o. dosing to Spraque Dawley rats, and, thereafter, drawingblood samples over 20 hours. Plasma concentrations were determined withLC/MS/MS.

1. A compound that is a free base or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltof formula I:

wherein: q is 0 or 1; R¹ and R² each is independently selected from thegroup consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy; andR³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₉-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, wherein: R⁴ and R⁵ each isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.
 2. A compound according to claim1 wherein q is
 0. 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein q is
 1. 4.A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ and R² each is independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy and halogen.
 5. A compound according to claim 4wherein both R¹ and R² are C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.
 6. A compound according toclaim 4 wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy and R² is halogen, or whereinR¹ is halogen and R² is C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.
 7. A compound according toclaim 1 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, andheteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,
 8. A compoundaccording to claim 7 wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl and heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.
 9. A compoundaccording to claim 1 wherein the optionally substitutedaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,and optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)ylmay be substituted with one or more substituent independently selectedfrom the group consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆alk(en/yn)yloxy. 10.A compound according to claim 9 wherein the optionally substitutedaryl-C₁₋₆alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,and optionally substituted aryl-C₃₋₈cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl maybe substituted with one or more substituent independently selected fromthe group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl and C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy.
 11. A compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the groupconsisting of: (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamicacid benzyl ester; (2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamicacid 2-chloro-benzyl ester;2-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;2-Phenyl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-2-yl-acetamide;3-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide;(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-carbamic acid isobutylester;3-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-p-tolyl-propionamide;2-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;2-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide(3N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-thiophen-3-yl-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-moφholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-p-tolyl-acetamide;2-(3-Bromo-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-moφholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-phenyl-acetamide;3,5,5-Trimethyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide; Octanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-naphthalen-2-yl-acetamide;Heptanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-acetamide;2-Cyclohex-1-enyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-3-methyl-phenyl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-propionamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-n-tolyl-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-butyramide;N-(2,4-Dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-acetamide;2-Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;2-(3,4-Difluoro-phenyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;4-Methyl-pentanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;2-Cyclopent-2-enyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;2-Cyclohexyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;5-Methyl-hexanoic acid(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;2-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide;3-Cyclopentyl-N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide;Hexanoic acid (2,4-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-amide;N-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide;N-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-2-cyclopentylacetamide;N-(2-Chloro-4-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide;N-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide;and N-(4-Chloro-2-methoxy-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridin-3-yl)-propionamide,and is a free base or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. Apharmaceutical composition comprising one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers or diluents and a compound that is a free base or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of formula I:

wherein: q is 0 or 1; R¹ and R² each is independently selected from thegroup consisting of halogen, cyano, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy and C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy; andR³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₈-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionallysubstituted aryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl, optionally substitutedaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl-C₃₋₈-heterocycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,heteroaryl-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl,NR⁴R⁵—C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yloxy-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl,halo-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, halo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andhalo-C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, wherein: each of R⁴ and R⁵each is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl, C₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl andC₃₋₈-cycloalk(en)yl-C₁₋₆-alk(en/yn)yl.
 13. A method of increasing ionflow in a potassium channel of a mammal, the method comprising the stepof administering a pharmaceutical composition according to claim
 12. 14.The method according to claim 13 wherein the method treats a disorder ordisease that is responsive to an increased ion flow in a potassiumchannel.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the disorder ordisease to be treated is selected from the group consisting of a seizuredisorder, an anxiety disorder, a neuropathic pain disorder, a migrainepain disorder, a neurodegenerative disorder, stroke, cocaine abuse,nicotine withdrawal, ethanol withdrawal, tinnitus, and a combinationthereof.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the seizuredisorder is selected from the group consisting of an acute seizure, aconvulsion, status epilepticus, epilepsy, and a combination thereof. 17.The method according to claim 15 wherein the anxiety disorder isselected from the group consisting of anxiety related to panic attack,agoraphobia, panic disorder with agoraphobia, panic disorder withoutagoraphobia, agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder, specificphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumaticstress disorder, an acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,anxiety disorder due to general medical condition, substance-inducedanxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, an adjustment disorder,performance anxiety, a hypochondriacal disorder, anxiety disorder due toa general medical condition and substance-induced anxiety disorder, anda combination thereof.
 18. The method according to claim 15 wherein theneuropathic pain disorder or migraine pain disorder is selected from thegroup consisting of allodynia, hyperalgesic pain, phantom pain,neuropathic pain related to diabetic neuropathy, neuropathic painrelated to trigeminal neuralgia and neupathic pain related to migraine.19. The method according to claim 15 wherein the neurodegenerativedisorder is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease,Huntington's chorea, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,Creutzfeld-Jakob's disease, Parkinson's disease, an encephalopathyinduced by AIDS, an encephalopathy induced by an infection, atrauma-induced neurodegeneration, a neuronal hyperexcitation statedisorder, and a neurodegenerative disease of the peripheral nervoussystem.
 20. The method according to claim 14 wherein the disorder ordisease to be treated is a bipolar disorder.
 21. The method according toclaim 14 wherein the disorder or disease to be treated is a sleepdisorder
 22. The method according to claim 13, wherein the mammal ishuman.
 23. The method according to claim 14 wherein the disease ordisorder is a central nervous system disease or disorder.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 15 wherein the epilepsy is an epileptic syndrome orepileptic seizure.
 25. The method according to claim 19 wherein theinfection of the encephalopathy induced by an infection is caused by arubella virus, a herpes virus or a Borrelia bacterium.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 19 wherein the neuronal hyperexcitation statedisorder is medicament withdrawal or intoxication.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 19 wherein the neurodegenerative disease of theperipheral nervous system is a polyneuropathy or a polyneuritis.
 28. Themethod according to claim 21 wherein the sleep disorder is insomnia.